In a deeply disturbing revelation, a case of religious segregation has surfaced at Kishoriganj-Manmohanpur Primary School, located in the Nadanghat police station area under Purbasthali Block-I, East Burdwan. It has come to light that the school has been serving mid-day meals to Hindu and Muslim students in separate utensils, prepared on different gas stoves by cooks from each community, and served in segregated dining spaces.
The school, which has 72 students from pre-primary to class five and four teachers, has reportedly been practicing this discriminatory system for years—without any formal objection from education or local authorities. Despite sharing classrooms, students are divided during lunch in a blatant breach of constitutional values of equality and secularism.
According to sources within the school, Sonali Majumdar, a Hindu cook, prepares meals for Hindu students on one stove with distinct ingredients, while Geno Bibi, a Muslim cook, does the same for Muslim students on a different stove using separate utensils. The 43 Hindu and 29 Muslim students also eat their meals separately in two different areas.
Administrative action initiated
The revelations have triggered immediate action from the administration. District Magistrate Ayesha Rani confirmed that she has ordered the sub-divisional magistrate to launch a comprehensive investigation.
“We will examine the report and take appropriate action,” she stated.
Shock and disapproval from officials
Local administrative leaders have expressed outrage and dismay. Kanan Barman, head of the Nasratpur Panchayat, admitted to having no prior knowledge of the segregation.
“I will bring up the matter to higher authorities to ensure such practices are brought to an end,” he said.
Purbasthali Block-I Panchayat Samiti President Dilip Mallick condemned the practice, remarking,
“This is absolutely unacceptable in a state that reveres figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. Such divisive practices must be eliminated immediately.”
The school’s headmaster, Tapas Ghosh, acknowledged the ongoing segregation but claimed it predates his posting.
“I have been here for just a year. This practice existed long before I arrived. It is also doubling the expenses of the meal scheme, and I will take steps to put an end to it,” he assured.
Community voices deep concern
Ganesh Gonsai, a respected local elder, reflected the community’s anguish, stating,
“There should be no place for religious discrimination among young children. Government schools must uphold secularism, the cornerstone of India’s identity.”
Another local resident added poignantly, “India was partitioned 77 years ago on the basis of the two-nation theory. But now, this primary school seems to be functioning on the same divisive principle.”
The incident has sparked broader conversations about the erosion of secular values in public institutions, particularly in schools meant to foster unity and inclusivity. As the investigation proceeds, all eyes are on the administration to ensure that disciplinary measures are taken, and that such practices are never repeated in any part of the state or country.
